The Effects of Psychedelics on Neuronal Physiology.
Annu Rev Physiol November 6, 2023 Cassandra J. Hatzipantelis, David E. Olson 28 citations
A single dose of a psychedelic can rapidly alter subjective experience and produce lasting changes in brain circuits related to mood, fear, reward, and cognitive flexibility. These effects stem from psychedelics interacting with key neuroreceptors across the brain, activating signaling cascades that change neuronal structure and function. The acute effects involve serotonergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, while long-lasting effects involve structural and functional neuroplasticity in the cortex. The neurobiological changes behind acute and sustained effects may be distinct, offering opportunities to engineer compounds with improved safety and efficacy.